Ammonium sulfate
Ammonium sulfate is known not only as a fertilizer, but also as a food additive. And this tells us that if the dosage is observed, the fertilizer cannot harm a person. And for plants, ammonium sulfate is a source of nitrogen and sulfur. Let’s find out how to use it in the garden

What is ammonium sulfate

Ammonium sulfate or ammonium sulphate ((NH4)2SO4) is a mineral water-soluble fertilizer in the form of transparent white crystals, which is used on all types of soil. It is well assimilated by the root system of plants, is not washed out by rains and irrigation, and remains in the soil for a long time (1).

Composition of ammonium sulfate

The composition of the fertilizer contains 21% nitrogen and 24% sulfur.

Properties of ammonium sulfate

Due to the high proportion of nitrogen and sulfur, which facilitates the absorption of nutrients by plants, ammonium sulfate ensures the rapid growth of green mass, protects plants from chlorosis and enhances the taste of fruits. It is completely absorbed by plants, but nitrates do not accumulate in the fruits.

Fertilizer has an important limitation: long-term use leads to acidification of the soil. Therefore, on weakly acidic and acidic soils, it is used to a limited extent or combined with the regular application of lime materials (2).

The use of ammonium sulfate in the garden and vegetable garden

Ammonium sulfate is involved in the improvement of the soil, it is most effective on alkaline soils, when growing various types of onions and salad crops. Thanks to sulfur, which is part of the fertilizer, plants more easily absorb nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium from the soil.

show more

making Dates

Ammonium sulfate is applied in the spring when digging the site 3-4 weeks before planting or during the spring – the first half of summer as top dressing. In the form of liquid solutions, it is allowed to use for individual crops at the end of summer and even in autumn (3).

Dosage of application

The universal application rate of ammonium sulfate is 20-40 g per 1 sq.m. But dosages may vary depending on the crop and its nitrogen requirements in different growth phases.

cultureApplication rate
Potatoes20 – 50 g (4 – 10 teaspoons) per 1 sq. m
Beetroot30 – 35 g (6 – 7 teaspoons) per 1 sq. m
cabbage and carrot25 – 30 g (5 – 6 teaspoons) per 1 sq. m
Cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants15 g (3 teaspoons) per 1 sq. m. and 2 – 3 top dressing per season with a fertilizer solution – 10 g (2 teaspoons) per 10 liters of water
Greens and garlic20 g (4 teaspoons) per 1 sq. m
Berry bushes and strawberries25 g (5 teaspoons) per 1 sq. m. and 2 – 3 top dressing per season with a fertilizer solution – 10 g per 10 l of water
Fruit trees25 g (5 teaspoons) per 1 sq. m. trunk circle
Flower crops and lawn20 – 25 g (4 – 5 teaspoons) per 1 sq. m. and 2 – 3 top dressing per season with a fertilizer solution – 10 g (2 teaspoons) per 10 liters of water

Application methods

Ammonium sulfate is used both in dry form and in the form of liquid dressings. Solutions give a faster effect.

Before applying dry or liquid top dressing, the soil must be watered. Do not allow this fertilizer to get on the leaves of plants.

Popular questions and answers

We asked about ammonium sulfate agronomist Oleg Ispolatov – he answered the most popular questions of summer residents.

How much does it cost and where to buy ammonium sulfate?

Ammonium sulfate can be purchased at almost any garden center, gardening store, or online retailer. As a rule, fertilizer is packaged in 1 kg bags. The price varies from 90 to 200 rubles.

Can ammonium sulfate be applied in autumn?

Since ammonium sulfate is well retained in the soil, it can also be applied in the fall. However, it cannot be used on perennial plantings, as it can cause the growth of shoots that will suffer in winter.

Is it possible to do foliar top dressing with ammonium sulfate?

No, when ammonium sulfate solution gets on the leaves, burns occur.

How to store ammonium sulfate?

This fertilizer does not cake, so it is not necessary to place it in an airtight container. However, fertilizer is best kept in a dry, dark, well-ventilated area out of the reach of children and animals. Shelf-life Unlimited. But practitioners recommend using opened packaging during the season.

Can ammonium sulfate be mixed with other fertilizers?

Ammonium sulfate can be mixed with other nitrogenous mineral fertilizers (urea, ammonium nitrate, etc.), as well as with potassium sulfate and chloride. Immediately before application, the fertilizer can be mixed with superphosphate and saltpeter – calcium, sodium and potassium.

Simultaneous application with chicken manure, manure and wood ash leads to a large loss of nitrogen, so such mixtures are not recommended.

Sources of

  1. State catalog of pesticides and agrochemicals approved for use on the territory of the Federation as of July 6, 2021 // Ministry of Agriculture of the Federation https://mcx.gov.ru/ministry/departments/departament-rastenievodstva-mekhanizatsii-khimizatsii- i-zashchity-rasteniy/industry-information/info-gosudarstvennaya-usluga-po-gosudarstvennoy-registratsii-pestitsidov-i-agrokhimikatov/
  2. Mineev V.G. Agrochemistry. Textbook, 2nd edition, revised and supplemented // M .: MGU Publishing House, KolosS Publishing House, 2004
  3. Yagodin B.A., Zhukov Yu.P., Kobzarenko V.I. Agrochemistry (Edited by B.A. Yagodin) // M.: Kolos, 2002

Leave a Reply